Jessica Baker looks forward to standing with DeSantis as new session approaches

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Freshman Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, said “nothing is more important” to her than protecting kids and is “looking forward” to standing with Gov. Ron DeSantis as the 2023 regular legislative session approaches.

Baker is sponsoring a bill that would put capital punishment on the table for criminals that induce harm to children. Florida’s Voice CEO Brendon Leslie asked Baker why she is eager to work on that legislation.

Baker said the bill would allow the state to seek the death penalty for perpetrators who commit sexual battery or rape on a child under the age of 12. She said as a prosecutor and a mother, “nothing is more important” to her than “protecting our kids.”

“This is really why I ran for office. I’m a mother of two young kids. I have a four year old and a five year old and I’m a prosecutor, so nothing is more important to me than protecting our kids. So I’m really excited to be working on this issue this session,” Baker said.

Baker said she is looking forward to standing with Gov. Ron DeSantis and “supporting him” on the issues the bill is meant to address.

“We have America’s best governor and he’s a bold leader. He’s not afraid to take on the tough issues. So I look forward to standing with him and supporting him on this issue,” Baker said.

Florida’s Voice asked Baker what it’s like working under Speaker of the House Paul Renner’s leadership.

Baker said Renner is an “awesome speaker” and she “looks forward to” working with him on issues such as criminal, tax, and budget issues.

“We’re doing great things this session. Looking forward to seeing everything that’s to come from obviously, these criminal issues to tax issues, to budget issues. Yeah, he’s an awesome speaker. I look forward to working with him,” Baker said.

Baker talked about some of her priorities that she wants to work on in the upcoming session. She said that as a prosecutor, criminal issues are “very important” to her.

Baker also said she’s “looking to close” a “loophole in the solicitation of minors statutes in Florida.” Other priorities she mentioned include a pro-consumer bill on if someone’s property has been flooded, and a “couple other” victim bills and criminal bills.